The numbers of breeding pairs at Hodbarrow RSPB reserve, Cumbria, have shot up after steps were taken to help them settle and nest.
Two main courses of action were put into place.
a] The erection of a protective fence around the nesting area which deterred foxes[ a big problem apparently]. Foxes were seen to swim up to the fence, then, being confronted by the obstacle, retreated.
b] the use of lasers to deter gulls settling and nesting in the Sandwich Tern nesting area. A laser shone near to the large gulls, early in the nesting season, causes them to fly off and not take root.
The number of Sandwich Tern has increased from almost nothing to 3100 with 1800 nests in 2018[ there were record numbers of Common Terns too].This represents 15% of the UK population.
Two main courses of action were put into place.
a] The erection of a protective fence around the nesting area which deterred foxes[ a big problem apparently]. Foxes were seen to swim up to the fence, then, being confronted by the obstacle, retreated.
b] the use of lasers to deter gulls settling and nesting in the Sandwich Tern nesting area. A laser shone near to the large gulls, early in the nesting season, causes them to fly off and not take root.
The number of Sandwich Tern has increased from almost nothing to 3100 with 1800 nests in 2018[ there were record numbers of Common Terns too].This represents 15% of the UK population.
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